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PUBLISHERS CHICAGO 



DENISON'S ACTING PLAYS. 

4 Partial List of Successful and Popular Plays. Lar^e Cataloiiue Free. 
Price 13 Cents Each, Postpaid Unless Different Price is Given. 



DRAMAS. COMEDIES. ENTER- 
TAIINMENTS, Etc. 

M. F. 

After the Game, 2 acts, \% 

hrs (25c) 1 9 

All a Mistake, 3 acts, 2 hrs. (25c) 4 4 
All That Glitters Is Not Gold, 

2 acts, 2 hrs 6 3 

Altar of Riches, 4 acts, 2i/2 hrs. 

(25c) 5 5 

American Hustler, 4 acts, 214 

hrs (25c) 7 4 

Arabian Nights, 3 acts, 2 hrs... 4 5 
Bank Cashier, 4 acts, 2 hrs. (25c) 8 4 
Black Heifer, 3 acts, 2 hrs. (25c) 9 3 

Bonnybell, 1 hr (25c).Optnl. 

Brookdale Farm, 4 acts, 2l4 hrs. 

(25c) ...7 3 

Brother Josiah, 3 acts, 2 h.(25c) 7 4 
Busy Liar, 3 acts, 2J4 hrs. (25c) 7 4 

Caste, 3 acts, 2'/^ hrs 5' 3 

Corner Drug Store, 1 hr. (25c) 17 14 
Cricket on the Hearth, 3 acts, 

1 3/4 hrs 7 8 

Danger Signal, 2 acts, 2 hrs... 7 4 
Daughter of the Desert, 4 acts, 

214 hrs (25c) 6 4 

Down i.. Dixie, 4 acts, 2^ hrs. 

(25c) 8 4 

East Lynne, 5 acts, 2 '/^ hrs 8 7 

Editor-in-Chief. 1 hr (25c) 10 

Elma, 154 hrs (25c) Optnl. 

Enchanted Wood, 1^4 h. (35c) Optnl. 

Eulalia, 1 1^ hrs (25c) Optnl. 

Face at the Window, 3 acts, 2 

hrs (25c) 4 4 

From Sumter to Appomattox, 4 

acts, 214 hrs (25c) 6 2 

Fun on the Podunk Limited, 

IH hrs (25c) 9 14 

Handy Andy (Irish), 2 acts,l 1/4 h. 8 2 
Heiress of Hoetown, 3 acts, 2 

hrs (25c) 8 4 

High School Freshman, 3 acts, 

2 h (25c) 12 

Home, 3 acts, 2 hrs 4 3 

Honor of a Cowboy, 4 acts, 2i^ 

hrs (25c) 13 4 

Iron Hand, 4 acts, 2 hrs. ., (25c) 5 4 
It's All in the Pay Streak, 3 

acts, 154 hrs...: :(25c) 4 3 

Jayville Junction, 1 1/$, h,t^.\;25c) 14 17 
tedediah Judkins, J. P., 4 acts, 

2y2 hrs.. (25c) 7 5 

Kingdom of Heart's Content, 3 

acts, 2K hrs (25c) 6 12 

Light Brigade, 40 min (25c) 10 

Little Buckshot, 3 acts, 2% hrs. 

(25c) 7 4 

Lodge of Kye Tyes, 1 hr.(25c)13 
Lonelyville Social Club, 3 acts, 

1^ hrs (25c) 10 



M. F. 

Louva, the Pauper, 5 acts, 2 h. . 9 4 
Man from Borneo, 3 acts, 2 hrs. 

(25c) 5 2 

Man from Nevada, 4 acts, 2]^ 

hrs (25c) 9 5 

Mirandy's Minstrels. . . . (25c) Optnl. 

New Woman, 3 acts, 1 hr 3 6 

Not Such a Fool as He Looks, 

3 acts, 2 hrs 5 3 

Odds with the Enemy, 4 acts, 

1 H hrs 7 4 

Old Maid's Club, l^^ hrs. (25c) 2 16 
Old School at Hick'ry Holler, 

1J4 hrs (25c) 12 9 

Only Daughter, 3 acts, 1^ hrs. 5 2 
On the Little Big Horn, 4 acts, 

21^ hrs (25c) 10 4 

Our Boys, 3 acts, 2 hrs 6 4 

Out in the Streets, 3 acts, 1 hr. 6 4 

Pet of Parson's Ranch, 5 acts, 2 h. 9 2 

School Ma'am, 4 acts, 1J4 hrs.. 6 5 

Scrap of Paper, 3 acts, 2 hrs. . 6 6 

Seth Greenback, 4 acts, 1% hrs. 7 3 

Soldier of Fortune, 5 acts, 21/2 h. 8 3 

Solon Shingle, 2 acts, 1 ^^ hrs.. 7 2 

Sweethearts, 2 acts, 35 min 2 2 

Ten Nights in a Barroom, 5 

acts, 2 hrs 7 4 

Third Degree, 40 min (25c) 12 

Those Dreadful Twins, 3 acts, 

2 hrs (25c) 6 4 

Ticket-of -Leave Man, 4 acts, 2^ 

hrs 8 3 

Tony, The Convict, 5 acts, 21/2 

hrs (25c) 7 4 

Topp's Twins, 4 acts, 2 h..(25c) 6 4 

Trip to Storyland, 1% hrs. (25c) 17 23 

Uncle Josh, 4 acts, 2% hrs.(2Sc) 8 3 

Under the Laurels, 5 acts, 2 hrs. 6 4 
Under the Spell, 4 acts, 2^ 

hrs (25c) 7 3 

Yankee Detective, 3 acts, 2 hrs. 8 3 

FARCES, COMEDIETTAS. Etc. 

April Fools, 30 min 3 

Assessor, The, 10 min 3 2 

Aunt Matilda's Birthday Party, 

35 min II 

Baby Show at Pineville, 20 min. 19 

Bad Job, 30 min 3 2 

Betsy Baker, 45 min 2 2 

Billy's Chorus Girl, 25 min... 2 3 

Billy's Mishap, 20 min ....2 3 

Borrowed Luncheon, 20 min.. 5 

Borrowing Trouble, 20 min.... 3 5 

Box and Cox, 35 min 2 1 

Cabman No. 93, 40 min 2 2 

Case Against Casey, 40 min... 23 
Convention of Papas, 25 min. . . 7 

Country Justice, 15 min 8 

Cow that Kicked Chicago, 20 m. 3 2 



T. S. DEMSON & COMPANY, 154 W. Randolph St., Chicago 



f 



THE DESERTER 



A DRAMATIC PLAYLET 



BY 

CHARLES ULRICH 

AUTHOR OF 

The Altar of Riches,'" ''A Daughter of the Desert,'' ''The 

Editor-i7i- Chief, " * * The High School Freshman , " * ' The Honor 

of a Cowboy," ''The Hebrew," ''In Plum Valley," "The 

Man from Nevada ," " On the Little Big Horn ," " The 

Political Editor, " " The Road Agent, " " The Town 

Marshal ' attd ' ' The Tramp and the Actress. ' ' 



CHICAGO 

T. S. DENISON & COMPANY 

Publishers 



THE DESERTER (<- c 



CHARACTERS. • ^ 

Horace Singleton A Federal Cavalryman 

Jack Wadh am A Spy 

PoMPEY A Colored House Servant 

Myrtle Thorndyke A Virginia Belle 

Priscilla, Benson and a Soldier are heard off stage but 
they do not appear. Priscilla's Hnes may be given by 
Myrtle, Benson's by Pompey and the Soldier's by Horace. 
These characters are not on the stao'e at that time. 



Scene — Room in Thorndyke Manor on the firing line 
near Richmond, Va., in January, 1865. 



Time of Playing — About Thirty Minutes. 



Produced at Olympic Theater, Chicago, August 20, 1906; 
at Haymarket Theater, Chicago, August 27, 1906; at Ma- 
jestic Theater, Chicago, September 3, 1912. 



PRESS COMMENT. 

''A magnificent dramatic playlet, powerfully constructed." 
— Chicago Tribune. 

"One of the best dramatic sketches ever seen in Chicago." 
— Chicago Examiner. 

"Full of intense moments that grip the audience irresist- 
ibly." — Chicago Chronicle. 

"The playlet roused the audience by its dramatic power." 
— Cleveland Leader. 

"In many respects a remarkable sketch." — San Francisco 
Democratic Reviezv. 

"Made a decisive; and deserved hit." — Neiv York Dram- 
atic Mirror. , • • ' 

"A trifle somber but strong nevertheless." — Variety. 



Notice. — Production of this play is free to amateurs, but the sole 
professional rights are reserved by the Publishers. 



COPYRIGHT, 1912, BY EBEN H. NORRIS. 

2 

TMP56-006805 
g)CI.D 31184 



THE DESERTEK 



STORY. 



The scene of the playlet transpires in the living room of 
a southern mansion near Richmond, Va., just before the 
surrender. Horace Singleton, a Federal cavalry officer, 
in search of a deserter, reaches the mansion and seeks to 
win the promise of Myrtle Thorndyke to become his wife. 
She tells him that she cannot wed him until justice has 
been done upon the man who wronged her sister, whom 
he deserted after their marriage, leaving his wife and child 
to starve. This sister, Priscilla, had become insane after 
the death of hex child, and Myrtle swears vengeance upon 
Wadham. 

Singleton rejoins his troop upon hearing that traces of 
the deserter had been discovered, and Myrtle is left alone 
with Pompey, a colored house servant. Wadham, who is a 
deserter, climbs through the window in an effort to escape 
his pursuers and is met and recognized by Myrtle. She 
tells him of her sister's sufferings and Wadham rushes to 
Priscilla's bedside, where the latter dies after recognizing 
and forgiving the man who had wronged her. Myrtle at- 
tempts to slay Wadham with a dagger, but relents not- 
withstanding his plea that she kill him in expiation of her 
sister's wrongs, and orders him to leave the house. 

Meanwhile the cavalry troop led by Singleton is heard 
coming down the road and Wadham, despite Myrtle's 
effort to restrain him, jumps out of the window into the 
roadway. He refuses to halt when ordered to do so and 
is shot dead. Singleton then returns to the mansion, meets 
Myrtle and tells her of the deserter's death. She tells him 
that justice has been done and he realizes the truth. He 
thus wins Myrtle and the two stand in close embrace, 
Pompey joyously waving a small American flag as the 
curtain descends. 

CHARACTERS AND COSTUMES. 

Horace — A young dashing Federal cavalry officer. He 
is brave, generous, impulsive, emotional and humorous. 
He must be played with quiet force and dignity to be effec- 



4 THE DESERTER. 

tive. He wears the costume of a major of cavalry of the 
Federal service. 

Wadham — A ruffianly Confederate trooper about thirty 
years old. He shows that he has seen better days and that 
his ruin was accomplished by dissipation and vices of all 
sorts. He also shows that fallen manhood is capable of the 
higher impulses, as is shown when he makes his supreme 
sacrifice in atonement for the great wrong he had done a 
suffering woman. He wears rough garments, black hat, red 
handkerchief, blue shirt, brogans much worn, and carries 
a revolver. 

PoMPEY — A colored house servant, pompous and digni- 
fied, about seventy years old. He is quiet, humorous and 
superstitious. He wears a faded dress suit, white shirt and 
choker, white gloves and low shoes. 

Myrtle — A young, handsome woman of about twenty- 
one years. She is strongly emotional, heroic and brave. She 
is swayed by love for a wronged sister and the longing for 
revenge upon the man who drove her sister insane. She 
wears a light colored gown with flounces such as was in 
vogue in the South before the Civil War, slippers, short 
curls, etc. 

PROPERTIES. 

Punch bowl, with punch and three glasses. Sword for 
Horace. Dagger for Myrtle. Revolver for Wadham. Old 
style revolver and United States flag for Pompey. Round 
table with several easy chairs for stage setting. Blank 
cartridges for Wadham. Books, newspapers, lamp, etc., for 
use on table. 

STAGE SETTING. 




Window I 1 cr.t«:,.,^o \ 

Sideboard Entrance chairQ 1_ 

Door/ 



o 

{o'^OOOChai, 
Table 



THE DESERTER. 



STAGE DIRECTIONS. 



R. means right of the stage; C, center; R. C, right cen- 
ter ; L., left ; R. D., right door ; L. D., left door, etc. ; 1 E., 
first entrance ; U. E., upper entrance, etc. ; D. F., door in 
flat or scene running across the back of the stage ; 1 G., first 
groove, etc. The actor is supposed to be facing the audience. 



THE DESERTER 



Scene: Living room in Thorndyke Manor in Virginia, 
in 4. Setting should he Colonial style. Furniture heavy, 
dark and upholstered. French window, R. C. in F., zvith 
curtains neatly draped. Snow scene backing. Curtained 
entrance L. C. in F., with wainscot hacking. Practical doors 
R. U. E. and L. 2 E. Mantel and ^replace R. 2 E. Side- 
hoard, decanter and glasses hetzveen zvindozv and door in 
F. Round table with tzvo chairs in front of fireplace at 
R. C. Chairs here and there to suit taste. Floor is car- 
peted. Candelabra zvith three or four candles lighted on 
table. Setting shotdd he rich and tasty of old pattern. 
Scene well lighted at rise and fire hums in grate. This 
should he arranged so that zvhen lights are dimmed, a fire 
glow steals across stage to L. 

At rise discovered Pompey, in door L. C, zvith punch 
hozvl in his hand. He comes dozvn C. and sniffs at contents 
of howl. Storm zvhistles mournfully outside. 

Pompey {as he sniffs). Golly, but dis smells sweet. My, 
but white folks knows what's good. {Puts howl on side- 
hoard near L. C. in F.) Bress mah soul, but listen to dat 
storm. Sounds like de wailing of lost spirits. Ugh, it 
makes me shake in mah shoes. Golly, but I'se hungry. If 
dis wah doan soon end I waste away to a shadow. I done 
lost two pounds last week and I specs I neber get dem 
back no more. {Hoof heats off R. U. Pompey starts in 
'fear.) What's dat noise of horses runnin'? Gorillas or cav- 
alrymen? If deys Union men I don't care, kase dey won't 
harm no colored gemmen like me. Dem rebels, dough, is 
awful. 

Horace {off stage, R. U.) Company, halt! 

Pompey {runs to zvindozv and looks off). Dat's Captain 
Singleton's voice. He's a fine Lincoln sojer and I bets my 



THE DESERTER. ^ 

ole cote he's coming to see Missis Myrtle. I know he lubs 
her, but I don't know about Missis Myrtle, kase she's 
peculiar sometimes in sich matters. 

Horace {off stage, L. U.). If you see that deserter, 
shoot him on the spot. 

PoMPEY {goes to L. C. in F.). Mah, dem sojers always 
talking about shooting somebody. It makes me sick at mah 
stomach. {He exits L. C. in F., turning L., and enters im- 
mediately, bozving.) Good evenin', Captain Singleton. 

Enter immediately after hini^ Horace, L. C. in F. 

Horace {as he brushes snozu off coat). Good evening, 
Pompey. Where is Miss Thorndyke? 

PoMPEY {laughs). I done knowed I was right. 

Horace {astonished). Done knowed what, you black 
rascal? 

Pompey {up stage, R.). Dat you come to see Missis 
Thorndyke. 

Horace {at C, laughing). Why should I not? Can the 
moth ignore the flame? 

PoMPEY {puzzled). I don't know about dat, Captain, but 
I knows Missis Thorndyke done hate you most powerful. 

Horace {threateningly). Rascal. 

PoMPEY {laughingly). Like an army mule done hate his 
oats. 

Horace {draws sword and points it at Pompey). If you 
raise false hopes in me, Pompey, I'll spit you as I would a 

pig"- 

Pompey {in mock alarm). Golly, I wouldn't make no 
good po'k chops, Captain — I'se too greasy. 

Horace {puts up szvord). That saves you, Pompey. 
{Takes off gloves and looks about.) 

Pompey {points L. 2 E.). Dar comes Missis Myrtle 
now, Captain. Guess I ain't no good here no more. {Turns 
R.) 

Horace {restrains him as he looks L. 2 E.). Is she still 
a rebel at heart, Pompey? 

Pompey. Lord bless you, Captain, her tongue is for de 



8 THE DESERTER. 

South, but her heart is for de North and a sartin sojer. 
who looks jist Hke you — 

Horace (shoves Pompey up to R. U. E.). Get out or 
rU scalp you. (Exit Pompey, laughingly, R. U. E.) 

Enter Myrtle, L. 2 E. As she comes C, Captain ad- 
vances to her, boiving. 

Horace (to Myrtle). Miss Thorndyke. (Extends 
hand.) 

Myrtle (surprised) . Ah, you, Captain Singleton? I am 
delighted to see you. 

Horace. And Pm charmed to meet you. Just think of 
it. We haven't met in two long weeks. Now that I observe 
you closely, you do not appear to be just as you ought. 
There's something on your mind. Out with it — how may 
I help you? (Foflozvs her to table, R. C.) 

Myrtle (sits R. at table). You cannot help me, Horace. 
I have my sorrow and I must bear my burden alone. 

Horace (leaning over her). Hang it all, you're a weak, 
helpless woman, I a strong man. Why do you persist in 
refusing my aid ? 

Myrtle. Because, in the struggle in which you are en- 
gaged, in battling for your cause, you have enough to oc- 
cupy your attention besides adding to your burden the 
woes of a woman — 

Horace (interrupts). Nonsense. Your woes are my 
woes, your joys mine forevermore. Why do you persist in 
refusing my aid? H you only knew how much I love you — 

Myrtle (interrupts). Come, Horace, you promised not 
to refer to that subject again until the war is over. 

Horace (annoyed). It's as good as over, Myrtle. We've 
got Lee and Johnston and the rest cornered, and nothing 
will save the vSouth now. 

Myrtle (sighingly). I fear it is true. 

Horace. It will be a blessing when this war is ended. 
You pretend to be a rebel, but I can see in your eyes the 
reflection of your love for an undivided country, now and 
forever. 

Myrtle (laughs). Well, if you see all that, I'll wear 



THE DESERTER. 9 

goggles hereafter. What brings you to Thorndyke Manor 
on such a stormy night? 

Horace. I'm looking for a deserter who is lurking in 
this vicinity. 

Myrtle. And if you capture him — ? 

Horace. I'll shoot him like the cur he is. 

Myrtle (shudders). Poor fellow. 

Horace. Your sympathy is misplaced, for this fellow is 
not only a deserter, but we have information that he is a 
rebel spy with important dispatches for General Lee at 
Richmond. 

Myrtle. What matters that? The cause of the South 
is lost — the inevitable end approaches. Therefore, let him 
escape. 

Horace. And be false to my duty — never. 

Myrtle (rises, goes to zvindozv, R. C). You soldiers 
are slaves to duty. 

Horace (folloivs her). Not always, Myrtle. We often 
are slaves to the women we love. 

Myrtle (looks out of window). See how it storms out- 
side. 

Horace. Yes, it's beastly weather. I find it so cozy here 
that I dislike to face the cold. I had much rather play 
chess with you as we did in the old days. Do you remem- 
ber them? 

Myrtle (shyly). They were pleasant days, Horace. 
One's memory lingers upon pleasant dreams. 

Horace. I remember the time just before the outbreak 
of the war when you and your sister visited our home in 
Massachusetts near the sea. I was a West Pointer then, 
you the most charming of Virginia belles. Do you recall 
the night in the arbor when I whispered to you that you 
were my destined wife? 

Myrtle (shyly). What a lot of nonsense you did whis- 
per on that thrilling occasion. 

Horace. True, but it came like molten gold from my 
heart. You left us — returned to Virginia. Then, came the 
w^ar and separation. I enlisted in a Massachusetts regi- 
ment, and my only prayer was that good fortune would 



10 THE DESERTER. 

bring- our paths together. My prayer was answered two 
weeks ago and I rejoiced that yon had not forgotten me. 
Still, you repulsed me, and I now ask you why? 

Myrtle (goes to table, sits R.). I merely said that we 
could not wed till the war came to a close. 

Horace (sits opposite her at table). You're hiding the 
truth from me, Myrtle. There is another reason — you have 
a secret. What is it? 

Myrtle. Do you remember your college chum — he who 
resembles you so closely that you often were mistaken for 
one another? 

Horace. Oh, yes — Jack Wadham. 

Myrtle (slozvly). Yes, Tack Wadham. 

Horace. Well, I'm sorry to say Jack turned out badly. 
Got to gambling and all that sort of thing. I lost track of 
him a year before the war, but heard he had married some 
southern girl — 

Myrtle (interrupts). Say, rather, he betrayed her. 

Horace. Why, what do you mean? 

Myrtle. Simply that the woman he pretended to marry 
was my sister Priscilla. 

Horace (starts). Great Csesar! Was he as base as that? 

Myrtle (passionately). He came into our lives during 
our trip to the north six years ago, whispered vows of love 
to Priscilla and won her heart. He induced her to follow 
him to New York, where he enticed her into a false mar- 
riage and deserted her. 

Horace. The hound! 

Myrtle. A child was born. Broken-hearted, disgraced, 
she returned home to find a refuge on a devoted sister's 
breast. Thank God, our father did not live to witness his 
daughter's disgrace. 

Horace. Poor Priscilla. 

Myrtle. The child died and Priscilla lost her reason. 
Now she awaits his coming trustingly, believing he will 
bring her happiness. (Rises, crosses to L. C.) Ah, let him 
come — let him come. 

Horace (follows her to L. C). And if he comes — ? 

Myrtle (fiercely). I shall kill him. 



THE DESERTER. 11 

Horace. Come, Myrtle, this- won't do. You'll be in a 
raging fever next. He may be dead — hanged, perhaps. 
Trust to me to avenge your sister if he ever crosses my 
path. Come, I have little time to tarry. Tell me, when will 
you become my wife? 

Myrtle. When justice is done. 

Enter Pompey^ R. U. E. Stands up stage, R. 

Horace {surprised). When justice is done, eh? A 
nice answer to give a fellow who dotes on a girl. Guess 
I'll go to the firing line and let some Johnny Reb fill me 
full of holes. {Goes quickly to R. U. E.) 

Myrtle {goes to table, laughingly). Come, let us talk 
of other things. Pompey, some punch. 

Pompey {goes to sideboard). Yessum, Missis Myrtle. 

Horace. Be lively, Pompey. Pni going to enter upon 
a career of dissipation. {Goes to L. of table.) 

Myrtle. Will you drink a glass of punch with me. Cap- 
tain Singleton? 

Horace. W^hy, Fll drink a dozen. 

Myrtle {laughs). That would be piggish. 

Horace. I always was a pig — pig-headed, you know. 
H I am not fequealing at something or other, Pm rooting 
around for deserters. 

Pompey {coming to table zvith punch). Dat's good! 
Ha, ha, ha ! 

Myrtle {severely). Pompey! 

Pompey {puts down glasses). Excuse me, Missis Myrtle. 
I hain't seen a pig for so long that when de Captain men- 
tioned de animal, it made my mouth water, and when dat 
happens Fse got to laugh or bust. 

Horace. Good gracious ! I hate to think what might 
happen if your mouth failed to open when you desired to 
laugh, Pompey. 

Pompey {laughs). I reckon dar would be a most awful 
explosion. Captain. 

Myrtle {laughing). You may go, Pompey. See that 
the house is well locked up for the night. {Turns to fire- 
place.) 



12 THE DESERTER. 

PoMPEY (goes to R. U. E.). Yessum, Missis Myrtle. 
{He points to Myrtle and does little comedy zvork with 
Horace. Then e^xits, R. U. E.) 

Myrtle (takes tip glass). A toast, Horace. 

Horace (at L. of table, takes up glass). A toast! 

Myrtle. Here's success to President Lincoln and to a 
united country. 

Horace. Here's success to President Lincoln and to a 
united country. (Both drink.) 

Myrtle (puts glass on table, pauses in listening atti- 
tude, then goes to L. 2 E.). I must go to my sister. Pray 
do not leave the house until I return. (Exit^ L. 2 E.) 

Horace (goes up stage to sideboard) . I ought to be after 
that deserter. Strange, now that I think of it, the sergeant 
told me that the chap looked wonderfully like me. Can he 
be Jack Wadham? If I thought so — well, let the devil take 
care of his own. When justice is done, eh? What does she 
mean by that ? Hang it all, if she doesn't consent to become 
my wife, FU drink myself to death. (He fills glass and 
raises it.) 

Priscilla (off stage ^ L. 2 E., laughs zvildly or sings bar 
or tivo of "Ben Bolt." This speech may be given by Myrtle 
in changed twice.) Jack! Where are you. Jack? 

Horace (puts down glass). Good gracious! That must 
be Priscilla ! It's enough to give one the shivers. Ugh ! 
(Shivers.) 

Benson (off stage ^ L. C. in F. Knocks at door. This 
and the following speeches by Benson may be given by 
PoMPEY in a changed voice.) Captain Singleton! 

Horace (goes to L. C. in F., looks off). Who's there? 

Benson (off stage). Benson. 

Horace. What's up, Benson? 

Benson (off stage). We've discovered the tracks of a 
man in the snow leading up to the window of this room. 
What are your orders? 

Horace. I'll join you in a moment, Benson. 

Benson (o^ stage). Aye, aye. Captain. 

LIoRACE (goes to table, puts on hat and gloves). I would 
like to see her before I leave, but duty before love in times 



THE DESERTER. 13 

of war. I must bag this fellow or be conrtmartialed. {He 
listens at L. 2 E. for instant, then goes to L. C. in F.) 
Come along, Benson. (Exit, L. C. in F.) 

Enter Pompey^ R. U. E. He comes C, looking about. 

PoMPEY {as he looks about). Bress mah soul, dey's 
gone. {Hoofbeats off stage. He goes to zmndozv and looks 
R.) Dars dem cavalry ossifers riding away in de cold. I 
wonder did Captain Singleton cut bait wid Missis Myrtle? 
{Laughs.) He, he! Dey don't do tings like dey uster when 
I was a pickaninny on dis plantation. Now, if I was him 
and lubbed her like I know he do — 

Enter Myrtle, L. 2 E. She comes C. 

PoMPEY. rd pick her up as I do dis chair {he picks up 
chair) and carry her to mah castle. 

Myrtle {surprised). Have you gone crazy, Pompey? 

Pompey {drops chair and holds his hat in confusion). 
Yaas, Missis Myrtle. I hain't had no sense since I had de 
measles fifty years ago. 

Myrtle {laughs as she goes to zvindoiv) . Pm afraid 
you are incorrigible, Pompey. 

Pompey {puzdcd). I ain't shore; but if it ain't ketching, 
I don't care. 

Myrtle {looks about). Where is Captain Singleton? 

Pompey. Gone to Petersburg, I reckon. 

Myrtle {goes to zvindow and looks R.). To Peters- 
burg on such a night ! I hope he won't come to harm. 

Pompey {as he fumbles zvith a Hag hidden under his^ 
coat). He's a sojer and he will take care of himself. {Still 
fumbles.) 

Myrtle. What is that you have concealed under your 
coat, Pompey? 

Pompey {confused). Something awful nice. Missis 
Myrtle. 

Myrtle {goes to him, C). I think I know what it is, 
Pompey. It's a chicken. 

Pompey (laughs). Chicken? Lordy, I hain't seen sich a 
bird since de war done broke out. Guess ag'in, honey? 



14 THE DESERTER. 

Myrtle. I always was a poor hand at solving riddles. 
Come, what are you concealing- from me, Pompey? 

PoMPEY. I tole ye. Missis Myrtle. {Looks about cau- 
tiously.) One night a union sojer cum yar alone and axed 
me to help him, so I hid him in de woodshed. He wus 
wounded and most starved. 

Myrtle. Poor man. 

Pompey. Yaas, he wus poor, kase he didn't have a cent. 
I nussed him a week and when he wus ready to go he gave 
me what I have here under my coat. 

Myrtle. What is it? Can't you see I am dying to 
know? 

Pompey. I tole ye by and by. It's something thousands 
have died for and many thousands will die in future ages 
as long as dese United States last. I keep it over my heart 
for I lubs it nearly as much as I does you and Missis Pris- 
cilla. {Takes Hag from under coat.) Yar it is — ain't it 
lovely? {He waves Hag back and forth.) 

Myrtle {takes flag). My father fought under it at Mon- 
terey, my uncle died beneath its folds. {Kisses Hag.) No- 
ble flag! Pm a woman of the South, but I revere it as my 
ancestors did. The war soon will end and then it will wave 
over a united race and country once more. May it wave as 
the emblem of peace forever. {Puts Hag on table, allozving 
it to hang over and facing audience.) 

Pompey. Dat's what it will. Missis Myrtle. It'll wave 
over white and black till de day of judgment. 

Myrtle. You must retire now. It is growing late. Is 
^11 safe? 

Pompey {goes to R. U. E.). Yaas, Missis Myrtle. I'se 
got de manor locked up tighter'n a drum. Don't you be 
afraid, kase ole Pompey is a-watchin' over you. Good- 
night. {Exit, R. U. E.) 

Myrtle. Good-night. {She stands at table facing audi- 
ence.) He left me without a parting word and he vowed he 
loved me and asked me to become his wife. Ah, cannot he 
read my heart? Does he not see the letters of fire glowing 
•there — I love you — I love you ! And yet, I cannot answer 
him as I would until my sworn duty has been performed. 



THE DESERTER. 15 

When this man Wadham has ceased to be — when justice 
has been done upon the wrecker of my poor sister's happi- 
ness, I shall know how to act. (Goes to L. 2 E. and looks 
off.) My poor sister! She sleeps. Alas, it is better so — 
one forgets sorrow in sleep. {Exit, L. 2 E.) 

Enter Wadham through zvindoiv R. C. in F. He is in 
rough clothing, ill-kempt and dirty. He carries a revolver 
in his hand and looks about as he comes dozvn C. to table. 

Wadham {looking about). I would have sworn it was 
Horace Singleton who passed me just now and rode away 
with that troop of cavalry. What if it was he — I care little 
now\ He and I are quits. I owe him much. Perhaps he 
may exact the penalty some day. In the old place at last. 
{Looks about.) It was in this room where, six years ago, 
we plighted our troth — Priscilla and I. {After pause.) 
Away with gloomy thoughts. I have my own preservation 
to consider now. 

Enter Myrtle_, L. 2 E. She comes C. 

Wadham {sees her, points revolver). Hands up, there! 

Myrtle {starts). Who are you and what do you want? 

Wadham. An unfortunate soldier seeking refuge. 

Myrtle {aside). That voice! {To Wadham.) Do you 
hope to find it here? 

Wadham. I certainly do, madam. I'm pursued by re- 
lentless human wolves, but with your help I hope to outwit 
them yet. 

Myrtle {at L. C, aside). It is he; but how changed. 
At last justice dawns. 

Wadham {goes to her, L. C). What are you wdiisper- 
ing about there? You must secret me. {Looks at her, then 
starts violently.) You here. Myrtle? 

Myrtle. Why should I not be here, Jack Wadham ? 

Wadham {at C). They told me you had sold the old 
place and left the South. 

Myrtle. It was a lie as black as your own heart. 

Wadham {angry). No heroics with me, Myrtle. I have 
no time to bandy words with you. 



16 ■ THE DESERTER. 

Myrtle. Nor I with yon. Why are you here? 

Wadham. I am here playing a hideous game with 
death — that's ah. I am a spy in the service of the South. 

Myrtle. A spy ? You mean you are a deserter of women 
as well as your own regiment. Are there more depths of 
iniquity to which you have not sunk? 

Wadham (laughs). I see I can't deceive you — 

Myrtle. No. You deceived my sister and broke her 
heart. That should satisfy such as you. 

Wadham (angrily). I did not deceive her — she was my 
wife. 

Myrtle. That is why you deserted her like the coward 
you are, I presume. 

Wadham. Faugh ! I am being pursued and here I bandy 
words with a fiery woman when every minute may be my 
last. You must help me — 

Myrtle (goes tip stage, R.). Say, rather, I shall de- 
nounce you to Captain Singleton. 

Wadham (at L. C). Where are you going? 

Myrtle (at R. U. E.). To rouse my servant. 

Wadham. Why? 

Myrtle. So that I may send him after Captain Sin- 
gleton's troop. 

Wadham (aside). I was not mistaken. It was Horace. 
(To Myrtle.) You would not doom to death the husband 
of your sister? 

Myrtle. I would doom to death the betrayer of my 
sister — visit punishment upon the wretch who basely de- 
ceived her, who robbbed, then deserted the woman who 
had intrusted her honor to his keeping. 

Wadham (laughs). Very well, be it so. (After pause.) 
Well, why do you stand there like a statue ? Are you afraid 
of the night shadows? Shall I go with you? Ah, woman, 
thy name is weakness. 

Myrtle (comes dozvn to table). It is not a question of 
weakness, but of honor. I cannot betray a hunted man — 
a being who once was my guest and whom I termed friend, 
guilty though he be. 

Wadham. How considerate of your ladyship. (Looks 



THE DESERTER. 17 

about.) You must hide me somewhere beneath this roof. 

Myrtle. You expect me to help you — you of all men? 

Wadham. Yes, I expect it for Priscilla's sake — poor, 
dead Priscilla. 

Myrtle. Who told you she was dead? 

Wadham. A comrade — a year ago. 

Myrtle. It is false. 

Wadham (starts). False? 

Myrtle. Yes. 

Wadham (joyously). She lives? Where is she? Take 
me to her? 

Myrtle. Wherefore? She would not recognize you. 

Wadham. True. Perhaps she has cause to hate me, 
but— 

Myrtle (interrupts). Priscilla is mad! 

Wadham (starts). My God^— mad ! (Goes to her 
threateningly.) Prove to me that you speak the truth, for 
if you are sporting with me — (He takes her by the throat 
with a sudden movement, then at her scream releases her.) 
Bah! I am a hunted man, desperate, ready to kill or be 
killed, as the devil may say, it doesn't matter much which, 
but I must see her. For God's sake, send me to her ! 

Myrtle (points to L. 2 E.). She lies in that room, 
helpless. 

Wadham (starts, goes to L. 2 E., looks off). I shall go 
to her. Perhaps she may forgive me. (Exits, L. 2 E.) 

Myrtle (aside, C). What shall I do? This uncertainty 
is killing m.e. (Goes to L. 2 E. and looks off.) He kneels 
by her side. He kisses her hand. So, then, he is not wholly 
depraved. I had sworn to kill him, and now in the crucial 
hour my weak woman's heart fails me. (Goes to L. C. in 
F.) I must have time to think. Ah, if Horace were here to 
give me counsel and aid. (Exit, L. C. in F.) 

Enter Pompey, R. U. E., carrying a revolver before him 
in one hand and lighted candle in other. He has a night- 
cap on his head and shozvs he had been in the act of retir- 
ing when disturbed. He comes C. slowly, looking about. 

Pompey (as he looks about). Nobody yar, and yet I 



18 THE DESERTER. 

heard somebody talking. I'se gitting to be like old Mandy 
wus — alius hearing things in her sleep. If any gorillas 
come in yar now, I shoot 'em full of holes like I would a 
jack-rabbit. 

Priscilla {off stage, L. 2 E. This and the follozving 
speech by Priscilla may be given by Myrtle in changed 
voice.) Jack — Jack! 

PoMPEY (at C, starts in fear). Who's dat? Ghosts? 
Lordy, I ain't ready yit to cross the ribber Jordan. {Looks 
at L. 2 E.) Somebody in dat room. You'se got to trow 
him out de window. It jess has to be done, you ole sinner, 
Pompey. {Goes to L. 2 E. and looks off zvith start.) Bress 
mah soul, if dar ain't Massa Wadham. Missis Priscilla 
look at him strange like — mah goodness ! She am hugging 
him. {Looks excitedly.) 

Priscilla {off stage, L. 2 E.). Jack! At last! 

Pompey. She done got her reason back, for sure. 
{Looks about.) Wha's Missis Myrtle. If she done see 
Wadham here dar's gwine to be trouble. {Looks off L. 
2 E.) Lordy, she done gone dead, sure. Yar comes Wad- 
ham. Guess I better get to mah room before I hurts him. 
{Looks off L. 2 E., then hurries to fireplace and hides 
behind table, flourishing his revolver.) He better not fool 
wid me kase I done hurt him wid dis popgun. 

Enter Wadham, L. 2 E. He staiids at door and looks 
off tremblingly. 

Wadham {aside, as he looks). My cruelty has broken 
her heart. I am a wretch who richly deserves death. I 
must avenge this poor girl upon myself. {Turns C. and 
sees Pompey — to Pompey.) Where is your mistress, nig- 

^^^'^ . . . . ■ 

Pompey {indignantly). Who you callin' nigger? I'se a 

respectable colored gemman and a deacon of de Baptist 
church. 

Wadham {angi'ily). I'll teach you. {Runs to table.) 
Pompey {puts up revolver into Wadham's face). I'se 
too old to go to school any more, Massa Wadham. {Flour- 
ishes revolver.) 



tHE DESERTER. 19 

Wadham. Bah! (Tunis up stage to window. Hoof- 
beats off R.) It is Horace's troop. Shall I give myself up 
to him? It means certain death, and ah, how sweet is life 
to the strong-. It must be done. INly manhood has not yet 
deserted me — my honor is redeemed ! 

Enter Myrtle, L. C. in F. She conies dozvn C. and sees 
Wadham. 

Myrtle {to Wadham). You have seen her? 

Wadham. Yes. 

Myrtle. Are you satisfied? 

Wadham. Yes — to die. 

Myrtle {goes to him). What would you do? 

Wadham {opens window). See justice done — farewell. 
{He throzvs aside Myrtle when she attempts to restrain 
him and. exits.) 

Myrtle {at zuindozv). Return, I say! They will kill 
you. 

PoMPEY. Don't carry on so. Missis Myrtle. He ain't 
worth a single tear from your eyes, kase he's a wolf. 

Soldier {off stage, R. This and the following speeches 
bv Soldier may be given bv Horace in changed voice.) 
Halt! 

Myrtle. See, he runs into the face of death. They will 
slay him before our very eyes. 

Pompey. Golly, if dey shoots him when he's on de 
veranda, dey'll spile de paint I put dere yisterday. 

Myrtle {looking R.). They aim their weapons — they 
are about to fire. 

Soldier {off stage, R.). Halt, or we fire. 

Wadham {off stage). I shall not halt. I will show you 
how a brave man can die. 

Myrtle {in agony). He betrays himself — he is lost! 

Pompey {looks off R.). Bress mah soul, dey's gwine to 
fire real bullets. I hopes none of dem will come dis way. 

Myrtle. Oh, Pompey, how can we save him? 

Pompey {taking her arm and leading her down L. C). 
Don't look no more. Missis Myrtle. You're too tender. 
Massa Wadham is in de hands of God, but I specs de 



20 THE DESERTER. 

debbil will kotch him in de end way down dar. (Points to 
floor.) 

Soldier {ojf stage, R. U. E.). Fire! {Tivo shots fired.) 

Myrtle {in horror at L. C). They have killed him! 

PoMPEY {at table, turns up lights). God receive his poor, 
sinful soul. Tain't worth much, dough. 

Myrtle. Priscilla is avenged. 

PoMPEY. I hopes dat paint ain't spiled. {Scratches 
head.) Golly, I jist remember now. 

Myrtle {surprised). Remember what, Pompey? 

PoMPEY. Dat Massa Wadham owed me four dollars 
good Uncle Sam's money and I done lose it all now. 

Enter Horace, L. C. in F. He comes doivn C. 

Horace. It looked like a case of suicide to me. He re- 
fused to halt and we were forced to fire. 

PoMPEY {at R. C. near table). Is he dead, Captain Sin- 
gleton. 

Horace. Yes. He sprang from this window as we rode 
up to the manor. {To Myrtle.) Who was he? 

Myrtle. Ask me not, Horace — justice has been done. 

Horace {starts). Ah, I see it all now. It was Jack 
Wadham. {Goes to Myrtle with outstretched arms.) 
Now you are mine. Myrtle. 

Myrtle {falls into his arms). Yours forever, Horace. 

PoMPEY {lifting up punch glass at table). I alius knew 
de North and South would be united (zvaves Hag) under 
one flag. {For recall add) Here's to deir future generation. 

Curtain. 



A Daughter of the Desert 

By CHARLES ULRICH. 

Price, 23 Cents 

A comedy- dram a of the Arizona Plains, 4 acts; 6 m., 4 f. Time, 
^^ h. Scenes: 2 interiors. Easy to set. Characters: Harold 
Morton, a railroad surveyor. Clarence Ogden, a rancher. Samuel 
Hopkins, a land speculator. Pedro Silvera, a Mexican renegade. 
Jim Parker, a gambler. Bill Jones, a sure-fire sheriff. Ruth 
Arlington, a daughter of the desert. Mrs. Mary Ogden, a widow. 
White Bird, an Apache Indian girl. 

SYNOPSIS. 

Act I. — Clarence and Lucy have an adventure. "How dare vou 
kiss a helpless girl, sir?" Silvera's charge. Your father was killed 
by Charles Morton. The avowal of love. Hopkins dotes on custard 
pies. The Apache outbreak. "If I die, clear my father's name." 

Act II. — "It's not my stomach, but my heart, papa." Clarence 
wounded. The arrest of Morton. White Bird's avowal. "We shall 
bring the guilty to justice." 

Act III. — How Silvera got a scar on the back of his hand. "I put 
it there with my sticker!" "I am a man of honor and my word is 
my bond." The rescue of Morton by cowboys. Ruth has the upper 
hand. Off to the Mexican line. 

Act IV. — "My husband ate two lemon pies and died." White Bird 
clears up the mystery. "Silvera shot him in back." Jones and 
Parker take a hand in the game. Ruth the richest girl in Arizona. 
Everybody happy. 

The Lonely ville Social Club 

By W. C. PARKER. 
Price. 23 Cents 

Comedy, 3 acts; 10 f. Time, IVz h. Exceedingly lively and 
humorous. 

SYNOPSIS. 

Act I. — Time hangs heavily on the hands of Mrs. Jack Newly- 
wed and Magda Peachblow, and they resolve to form a social club. 
The representative ladies of the village make a 9 o'clock general 
call. 

Act I presents Lonelyville's "four hundred." The stormy session 
of the benefit society. Gladys is both seen and heard. General con- 
fusion. 

Act II. — Mrs. Newlywed attempts to form the social club. Mrs. 
Purse Proud on her track. Discovered. A stormy scene. The 
determination to present "Uncle Tom's Cabin." 

Act III. — The town hall has been converted into a theater for 
the occasion. Gladys raises a row. Mrs. Steps and Mrs. Proud 
settle old scores. Ellen makes a show of herself. The performers 
are guyed by the "audience" and the performance cut short in 
disgust. The windup of the "Lonelyville Social Club." 

T. S. DENISON & COMPANY, Publishers 

154 W. Randolph Street, CHICAGO 



All A Mistake 

By W. C. PARKER. 
Price, 23 Cents 

Farce-coin edy, 3 acts; 4 m., 4 f. Time, about 2 h. Scenes: Easj> 
Co set. Lawn at "Oak Farm" and drawing-room. Characters: 
Capt. Obadiah Sliinner, a retired sea captain. Lieut. George Rich- 
mond, liis nephew, wlio starts the trouble. Ricliard Hamilton, a 
country gentleman. Ferdinand Lighthead, who falls in love don- 
cherknow. Nellie Richmond, George's wife. Nellie Huntington, a 
friend. Nellie Skinner, antiquated but still looking for a man. 
Nellie Mclntyre, a servant. 

SYNOPSIS. 
,Act I. — The arrival of George and his bride. A friend in need. 
The old inaid and her secret. Ferdy in search of a wife. George's 
jealousy. The sudden appearance of a most undesirable party. 
George's quick wit prevents discovery. 

Act II. — The plot thickens. Cornelia in search of her "Romeo." 
The downfall of Ferdy. Richard attempts to try the "soothing 
system" on a lunatic. Geoi^ge has a scheme connected with a fire 
in the furnace and some pitch tar. Richard runs amuck amid gen- 
eral confusion. 

Act III. — The Captain arms himself with a butcher knife and 
plans revenge. Nellie hopelessly insane. The comedy duel. "Ro- 
meo" at last. "Only one Nellie in the world." The unraveling of 
a skein of mystery, and the finish of an exciting day, to find it was 
"All a Mistake." 

A Busy Liar 

By GEORGE TOTTEN SMITH. 
Price, 23 Cents 

Farce-comedy, 3 acts; 7 m., 4 f. Time, 2i/l h. Scenes: Easy to 
set, 1 exterior, 2 interiors. Characters: Simeon Meeker, who told 
one lie. Judge Quakely. Senator Carrollton. Macbeth, a hot-headed 
Scotchman. Dick, in a matrimonial tangle. William Trott, a re- 
cruit. Job Lotts, another one. Mrs. MacFarland, everybody's 
friend. Tennie, with a mind of her own. Janet, a Scotch lassie. 
Mrs. Early, a young widow. 

SYNOPSIS. 

Act I. — Off to the war. A paternal arrangement of marriage. 
Janet of the Macbeth clan. Some complications. Meeker and the 
Widow. A lapse from truth. Meeker made captain. "You are 
afraid to go." "Afraid? Never!" 

Act II. — In camp. Captain Meeker and strict discipline. The 
Widow, the Judge and the Senator court-martialed. The Widow 
wins. Another lie and more complications. An infuriated Scotch- 
man. *'You held her in your arms." "She is my wife." 

Act III. — The ball. "Not military matters, but matrimony." 
"Another of Meeker's fairy stories." The Captain in kilts. "The 
funniest thing I ever saw." The Widow untangles a tangle of lies. 
A lass for every lad. Peace proclaimed. Meeker remains "at the 
base of supplies." 

T. S. DENISON & COMPANY, Publishers 

154 W. Randolph Street, CHICAGO 



The Heiress of Hoetown 

By HARRY L. NEWTON AND JOHN Pi'eRRE ROACH. 
Price, 23 Gents 

A rural comedy, 3 acts; 8 m., 4 f. Time, 2 h. Scenes: 2 ex- 
teriors. Characters: Jimmie Blake, a physical culturist. Jack 
Wright, a civil engineer. Ezra Stonyboy, the postmaster. Count 
Picard, waiting at the church. Corporal Cannon, a veteran. White 
Blackstone, dealer in titles. Congressman Drybottle, a power in 
politics. Doolittle Much, constable and proprietor of the village 
hack. Mary Darling, an heiress. Jane Stonyboy, with ideas. Tillie 
Tung, the village pest. 

SYNOPSIS. 

Act I. — Borrowing a screen door. Blackstone, a dealer in titles. 
Mary comes back home. Blackstone wants Jimmie to travel for his 
health. "One hundred thousand dollars as expense money." "No, 
I am going to a strawberry festival and that's worth more to me." 
The lost necklace. The proprietor of the village hack discovers 
something. "She's a fine gal, she is." 

Act II. — The Strawberry Festival. Blackstone schemes a quick 
marriage. A busy time for Doolittle Much. "Search that man. 
Constable!" The necklace is found on the wrong man. "Any man 
caught with no visible means of support can be arrested as a. com- 
mon vag." The Count is "pinched." 

Act III. — The siege of Hoetown. The Count works out his fine 
on the highway. "Shark, j^ou're a liar!" The financial panic and 
the loss of Mary's money. The Count and Blackstone get "cold 
feet" and hike for old Broadway. Mary loses her home. "Come 
on, kid, I've got carfare." 

Mirandy's Minstrels 

By SOPHIE HUTH PERKINS. 

Price, 25 Gents 

A Female Minstrel entertainment. A complete ladies' minstrel 
show, full of novel ideas for costumes, finale, etc. Contains new 
jokes, gags, cross-fires, monologues and stump speeches. Ending 
with a most laughable farce, "Mrs. Black's Pink Tea," for 10 
female characters, which is a gem of humor. Those that have 
"put on" female minstrels and know the difficulty of obtaining suit' 
able material, will be delighted with this book. It is highly humor- 
ous, yet refined enough for any audience. 

The Third Decree 

By MAYME RIDDLE BITNEY. 

Price, 25 Gents 

A female burlesque initiation; 12 f. and any number of members. 
Time, about 40 m. Scene: Any lodge room. Characters: Head 
Officer, Instructors, Assistants, Marshal, Doorkeepers, etc. It is 
unique, as it can be used as an initiation for any society or lodge or 
as an entertainment. Brim full of fun and action, yet not too bois- 
terous. Will please all women. 

T. S. DENISON & COMPANY, Publishers 

ISi W. Randolph Street, CHICAGQ 



Fun on the Podunk Limited 

By MAYME RIDDLE BITNEY. 
Price, 23 Cents 

Entertainment; 9 m., 14 f. Time, 1 h. 30 m. Can be played with 
a less number of people when desired. A most clever idea, sup- 
posing to show the interior of a railway coach. It can be easily set 
3n almost any platform, and full description with illustrations, show- 
ing the manner of arranging the stage are given. The passengers 
produce the real fun, while the coach is of secondary importance. 
A most amusing cast of characters. The farmer and family, grand- 
pa and grandma, woman with bundles, Susie Olson; a Chinaman, 
the old maid and many others. The passengers getting on and off, 
their excitement, their haste, their bundles and other incidents, 
which always fills a journey with rare comedy, are depicted with 
surprising skill. It has been presented by the author with great 
success, and it is recommended for any club, church or society. 

"Our audience was the best pleased that I ever saw at an ama- 
teur play." — Carroll .J. Byers, South Bend, Ind. 

"We gave 'Fun on the Podunk Limited' to a crowded house two 
nights.' — Mrs. E. Sortore, Duke Center, Pa. 



A Black Heifer 

By W. C. PARKER. 

Price, 23 Cents 

Rural comedy-drama, 3 acts; 9 m., 3 f. Time, about 2 h. Scenes: 
Yard of Swampscott Holler farm house, "settin' room" of same, best 
room of same. Costumes, city, country, tramp, etc. Characters: 
Leading man, farmer, Uncle Josh type. Heavy villain. Juvenile. 
Stuttering farm hand. Tramp. Detective. Leading lady. Char- 
acter woman, deaf. Country maiden. Character, soubrette. 

SYNOPSIS. 

Act I. — Swampscott Holler. 'Squar Brown's black heifer is lost. 
Carleton woos Arabella for her money. Carleton decides that George 
must be "put out of the way." Scraps, the girl tramp. She recog- 
nizes Carleton. A shower of snuff adds to the fun. Scraps is ac- 
cused of stealing the black heifer. Eph adopts the waif. The mur- 
der of 'Squar Brown. Rube accuses George. Carleton, the "eye 
witness." 

Act II. — Eph has a "heart-to-heart" talk with George. "I be- 
lieve ye." Willie and his first cigar. Betsy jealous of Scraps. 
Doughnuts and cider. The fiddler and the old-fashioned "hoe down." 
Willie's new suit of "store clothes." The robbery. Carleton accuses 
George. 

Act III. — "The fatal day has arrived." Carleton plays his last 
card. Scraps as a "real lady." The stranger, "Why, it's George!" 
Laughter and tears. Weary has a word to say. Scraps captures the 
villain. The "huskin' bee." Reparation and joy. 



T. S. DENISON & COMPANY, Publishers 

154 W. Randolph Street, CHICAGO 



DENISON'S ACTING PLAYS. 

Price 13 Cents Each. Postpaid. Unless Different Price Is Given. 



M. F. 

Documentary Evidence, 25 min. 1 1 

Dude in a Cyclone, 20 min.... 4 2 

Family Strike, 20 min 3 3 

First-Class Hotel, 20 min 4 

For Love and Honor, 20 min.. 2 1 

Fudge and a Burglar, 15 min.. 5 
Fun in a Photograph Gallery, 

30 min 6 10 

Great Doughnut Corporation, 

30 min 3 5 

Great Medical Dispensary, 30 m. 6 
<ireat Pumpkin Case, 30 min. ..12 

Hans Von Smash, 30 min 4 3 

Happy Pair, 25 min 1 1 

I'm Not Mesilf at All, 25 min. 3 2 
Initiating a Granger, 25 min.. 8 

Irish Linen Peddler, 40 min... 3 3 

Is the Editor In? 20 min 4 2 

Kansas Immigrants, 20 min.... 5 1 

Men Not Wanted, 30 min 8 

Mike Donovan's Courtship, 15 m. 1 3 

Mother Goose's Goslings, 30 m. 7 9 

Mrs. Carver's Fancj?^ Ball, 40 m. 4 3 
Mrs. Stubbins' Book Agent, 30 

,; min 3 2 

My Lord in Livery, 1 hr 4 3 

My Neighbor's Wife, 45 min... 3 3 

My Turn Next, 45 min 4 3 

My Wife's Relations, 1 hr 4 6 

Not a Man in the House, 40 m. 5 

Obstinate Family, 40 min 3 3 

Only Cold Tea, 20 min 3 3 

Outwitting the Colonel, 25 min. 3 2 

Pair of Lunatics, 20 min 1 1 

Patsy O'Wang, 35 min 4 3 

Pat, the Apothecary, 35 min... 6 2 

Persecuted Dutchman, 30 min.. 6 3 

Regular Fix, 35 min 6 4 

Rough Diamond, 40 min 4 2 

Second Childhood, 15 min 2 2 

Slasher and Crasher, 50 niin. . . 5 2 

Taking Father's Place, 30 min.. 5 3 

Taming a Tiger, 30 min 3 

That Rascal Pat, 30 min 3 2 

Those Red Envelopes, 25 min. 4 4 
Too Much of a Good Thing, 45 

min 3 6 

Treasure from Egypt, 45 min. 4 1 

Turn Him Out, 35 min 3 2 

Two Aunts and a Photo, 20 m.. 4 

Two Bonnycastles, 45 min 3 3 

Two Gentlemen in a Fix, 15 m. 2 

Two Ghosts in White, 20 min.. 8 

Two of a Kind, 40 min 2 3 

Uncle Dick's Mistake, 20 min.. 3 2 

Wanted a Correspondent, 45 m. 4 4 

Wanted a Hero, 20 min 1 1 

Which Will He Marry? 20 min. 2 8 

Who Is Who? 40 min.-. 3 2 

Wide Enough for Two, 45 min. 5 2 

Wrong Baby, 25 min 8 

Yankee Peddler. 1 hr 7 3 



VAUDEVILLE SKETCHES. W-ON- 
OLOGUES. ETHIOPIAN PLAYS. 

M. F. 

Ax'in* Her Father, 25 min 2 3 

Booster Club of Blackville, 25 m.lO , 
Breakfast Food for Two, 20 m. . 1 L 

Cold Finish, 15 min 2 1 

Coon Creek Courtship, 15 min.. 1 1 
Coontown Thirteen Club, 25 m. 14 

Counterfeit Bills, 20 min 1 1 

Doings of a Dude, 20 min 2 1 

Dutch Cocktail, 20 min 2 

Five Minutes from Yell College, 

15 min 2 

For Reform, 20 min 4 

Fresh Timothy Hay, 20 min... 2 1 
Glickman, the Glazier, 25 min. . 1 1 
Handy Andy (Negro), 12 min.. 2 

Her Hero, 20 min 1 1 

Hey, Rube! 15 min 1 

Home Run, 15 min 1 1 

Hot Air, 25 min 2 1 

Jumbo Jum, 30 min 4 3 

Little Red School House, 20 m. 4 
Love and Lather, 35 min..... 3 2 
Marriage and After, 10 min... 1 
Mischievous Nigger, 25 min... 4 2 

Mistaken Miss, 20 min 1 1 

Mr. and Mrs. Fido, 20 min 1 1 

Mr. Badger's Uppers, 40 min.. 4 2 
One Sweetheart for Two, 20 m. 2 
Oshkosh Next Week, 20 min.. 4 

Oyster Stew, 10 min 2 

Pete Yansen's Gurl's Moder, 10 

min 1 

Pickles for Two, 15 min 2 

Pooh Bah of Peacetown, 35 min. 2 2 
Prof. Black's Funny graph, 15 m. 6 

Recruiting Office, 15 min 2 

Sham Doctor, 10 min 4 2 

Si and I, 15 min 1 

Special Sale, 15 min 2 

Stage Struck Darky, 10 min... 2 1 
Sunny Son of Italy, 15 min... 1 

Time Table, 20 min 1 1 

Tramp and the Actress, 20 min. 1 1 
Troubled by Ghosts, 10 min... 4 
Troubles of Rozinski, 15 rnin.. 1 
Two Jay Detectives, 15 min... 3 

Umbrella Mender, 15 min 2 

Uncle Bill at the Vaudeville, 15 

min 1 

Uncle Jeff, 25 min 5 2 

Who Gits de Reward? 30 min.. 5 1 



A ^reat number of 

Standard and Amateur Plays 

not found here are listed in 

Denison's Cataloiue, 



T. S. DENISON & COMPANY, 154 W. Bandolph St., Chicago 



OCT 21 I91J 



'OPULAR ENTERTAIN iSf!?!,'^ congress 



Price, Illustrated Paper Covei 




¥N this Series 
are found 
books touching 
every feature 
n the enter- 
tainment field. 
Finely made, 
good paper, 
clear print and 
each book has 
an attractive 
individual cov- 
er design. 



DIALOGUES 

All Sorts of Dialogues. 

Selected, fine for older pupils. 
Catchy Comic Dialogues. 

New, clever; for young people. 
Children's Comic Dialoifues. 

From six to eleven years of age. 
Dialo|{ues from Dickens. 

Thirteen selections. 
The Friday Afternoon Dialoi{ues. 

50,000 copies sold. 
From Tots to Teens. 

Dialogues and recitations. 
Lively Dialottues. 

For all ages; mostly humorous. 
When the Lessons are Over. 

Dialogues, drills, plays. 
Wide Awake Dialogues. 

Brand new, original, successful. 

SPEAKERS. MONOLOGUES 

Choice Pieces for Little People. 

A child's speaker. 

The Comic Entertainer. 

Recitations.monologues.dialogues. 

Dialect Readiniis. 

Irish, Dutch. Negro, Scotch, etc. 

The Favorite Speaker. 

Choice prose and poetry. 

The Friday Afternoon Speaker. 
For pupils of all ages. 

Humorous Monologues. 
Particularly for ladies. 

Monolo|{ues for Youni{ Folks. 
Clever, humorous, original. 

The Patriotic Speaker. 

Master thoughts of masterminds. 

The Poetical Entertainer. 
For reading or speaking. 

Pomes ov the Peepul. 

Wit, humor, satire; funny poems. 

Scrap- Book Recitations. 

Choice collections, pathetic, hu- 
morous, descriptive, prose, poe- 
try. 14 Nos., per No. 2Sc. 



The 




I 



^_0 015 910 011 Q 4 

The Favorite Book oi »*....*. " 

Drills that sparkle with originality. 
Little Plays With Drills. 

For children from 6 to 11 years. 
The Surprise Drill Book. 

Fresh, novel, drills and marches. 

SPECIALTIES 

The Boys* Entertainer. 

Monologues, dialogues, drills. 
Children's Party Book. 

Plans, invitations, decorations, 

games. 
The Days We Celebrate. 

Entertainments for all the holidays. 
Good Things for Christmas. 

Recitations, dialogues, drills. 
The Little Folks, or Work and Play. 

A gem of a book. 
Little Folks' BudiJet. 

Easy pieces to speak, songs. 
One Hundred Entertainments. 

New parlor diversions, socials^ 
Patriotic Celebrations. 

Great variety of material. 
Pranks and Pastimes. 

Parlor games for children. 
Shadow Pictures, Pantomimes, 

Charades, and how to prepare. 
Tableaux and Scenic Readings. 

New and novel; for all ages. 
Twinklin(( Finders and Swaying 

Fit{ures. For little tots. 
Yuletide Entertainments 

A choice Christmas collection. 

HAND BOOKS 

The Debater's Handbook. 

Bound only in cloth, 50c. 
Everybody's Letter Writer. 

A handy manual. 
Good Manners. 

Etiquette in brief form. 
Private Theatricals. 

How to put on plays. 
Social Card Games. 

Complete in brief form. 

MINSTRELS. JOKES 

Black American Joker. 

Minstrels' and end men's gags, 
A Bundle of Burnt Cork Comedy. 

Monologues, stump speeches,etc. 
Laut{hland, via the Ha-Ha Route. 

A merry trip for fun tourists. 
Ne^ro Minstrels. 

All about the business. 
The New Jolly Jester. 

Funny stories, jokes, gags, etc. 

Larife Ilhistrated Cataloi{ue Free. 



T. S. DENISON £4 COMPANY, Pdilishers, 154 W. fiandolph St„ Chicago 



